Christmas lunch, entertainment and carols 2025

The York Rotary Christmas lunch was held at the Novotel on Friday 19^th December.  It was a very joyous occasion attended by over 100 Rotarians, partners and friends.

The lunch started with Tom Jackson’s band which this year comprised Allan Morrison and Alan Tonks, president Paul Roberts on guitar, Paul’s son Henry on violin and of course Tom Jackson, they performed in the hotel foyer before lunch.

After an excellent lunch served by the Novotel team.  This was also our opportunity to thank the Novotel for their service during the year.

Following lunch we were first entertained by Tom Jackson’s band who performed several numbers, including some excellent solo singing by President Paul accompanied by Henry and Tom. The York Rotary choir conducted by Mike Hay then performed a number of Christmas songs comprising Christmas is Coming - a round for 4 voices, Old Christmas, While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks to the old tune of Ilkley Moor, When a child is born and We Wish You a Merry Christmas.

To see the video of the Christmas performance click below:

After a lovely occasion we all left with a lovely Christmas spirit.  For the choir and fundraisers there was still more work to do.  On Saturday 20^th December we were collecting at Morrisons for the York Rotary charity fund and the choir performed in the beer section of the store for an hour whilst the collection took place.  The collection raised a fantastic £410.00, so thank you to all those who contributed, to Morrisons for permitting the collection and to the choir and collectors.  The Rotary choir appealed to shoppers and are likely to be asked to perform again in 2026.

To see the choir in action in Morrisons click on the image below:

Happy Christmas and new year to everyone, you can look forward to more news reports in 2026.

David Fotheringham